Tiny 0201-size NTC thermistor targets cell phones

SMYRNA, GA. - Murata Electronics North America Inc. has launched a line of 0201-packaged negative-temperature-coefficient (NTC) thermistors that it says are among the smallest chip thermistors available. Murata is quoting availability of eight to 10 weeks for the components.

Aside from the benefits of a short lead time and miniaturization, Murata's NTC thermistor have several engineering design advantages that are particularly important for mobile communications equipment such as cell phones, said Kozo Kagawa, Murata's group product manager.

For example, he said, the device's unique inner construction makes the lead-free NTC thermistor suitable for high-density mounting in general circuits. Termination is accomplished with a nickel barrier. In addition, the 0201-size chip has excellent solderability, with reflow soldering possible, and high, long-time aging stability, Kagawa added.

Measuring 0.6 x 0.3 mm, the component provides temperature compensation of transistor, IC and crystal oscillators in mobile communications equipment. Temperature compensation and sensing are also provided for LCDs, car audio equipment such as the CD player and tuner, as well as rechargeable batteries. Currently, resistance values of 10,000 ohms are available, with values to be expanded in the future, according to the company.

The parts are already in mass production, and "Murata will increase the manufacturing capability of all the SMT-package NTC thermistors by as much as 50 percent by March," said Kagawa.